IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishmake a clean break
Meaning: To end something completely rather than gradually.
Example: “After the divorce she made a clean break and moved abroad.”
Origin: A bone or a stick that breaks cleanly leaves no ragged edge. The phrase is common from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: cortar por lo sano Literally: To cut for the healthy
More English idioms
- use someone as a cat's paw To get someone else to do one's dirty work.
- lose one's marbles To go crazy.
- the heart of the matter The most important part of an issue.
- play cat and mouse To toy with someone one has power over.
- crunch time The decisive moment, when there is no more time left.
- blow me down An exclamation of complete surprise.
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